Our favourite sword’n’spells marketing wizard Pete has just sent us through some details of the 2013 Orange range – just in time for summertime adventuring to the lift assisted paradise of Mordor Morzine et al. Just remember that every hero needs an enchanted weapon.

Here’s the release in full:

2013 Orange Alpine 160

Orange Alpine 160

For 2013, the Alpine 160 remains in one configuration as standard priced at £3,199.99 with the usual extensive list of factory fit options to ensure you get the spec you want. It is available as of now, complete with new Fox Factory Series FLOAT CTD with Trail adjust rear shock. The shock’s Kashima coating enhances the Alpine 160’s legendary descending ability and with a simple flick of the Trail adjust switch also aids its agile climbing prowess. It’s also equipped with 2013 Shimano 10-speed drive train using pin-point precision Dynasys gearing.

The updated Alpine 160 gained some subtle refinements that made it virtually future-proof with the addition of a lightweight tapered steerer headtube, dropper-post compatible 30.9mm seat tube and a Maxle rear triangle. For the rider that wanted to earn the big mountain descent and enjoys the challenge of the climb without resorting to the uplift, the Alpine 160 was surely the weapon of choice.

A green Orange. Ripe.

A responsive front end is borne from the sturdy monocoque downtube mated to a hydro-formed Reynolds top tube. The tapered head tube allows a large weld area to further improve the tracking while making sure all fork steerer standards are catered for. The 30.9mm seat post ensures maximum dropper-post compatibility and ups the stiffness of the front triangle even further. All this means the Alpine 160 frame can take whatever parts you might have waiting for it, while the geometry and stiffness allow you to blast the steep, tight turns or flat out rock gardens. This bike won’t flinch, whatever you throw at it.

The lateral stiffness of the mainframe and maintenance-free pivot assembly promote surefooted confidence, but the Alpine 160 is no slouch on the climbs. This bike will find traction where others fail and spin you to the top of technical climbs with ease. In the most literal sense of the term, the Alpine 160 is a mountain bike, built for anything.

Alpine 160 frames will also be available early July in the same size, colour and shock options as the complete bikes. RRP is £1,699.99 with a Fox Factory Series FLOAT CTD with Trail adjust rear shock.

Orange Patriot

For 2013 we’ve focused on refining the specs based upon what riders have asked for from our extensive option list. It will now come fitted with the best 180mm travel single crown fork on the market as standard – the Fox 36 Vanilla Factory Series RC2 Kashima fork. Combined with the Vanilla RC rear shock the Patriot will tame whichever boulder-strewn mountainside you’ve picked to ride this weekend. The Patriot is the mountain bike for the big mountains.

The Fox Vanilla RC shock has been somewhat overlooked in recent years owing to its lack of platform and other “new” technologies. What it lacks in terms of adjustment certainly makes up for it in terms of performance and reliability. The Vanilla RC is one of the best shocks on the market straight out of the box. If you want more adjustability or to fine tune your ride Cane Creek Double Barrel coil and air shock upgrades are available from our options list.

Options are available to really dial in the spec you’re looking for. We’ve taken care of the canvas, all you need to do is decide what you want to put on it. Pick and choose from the extensive list of shock, brake, bottom bracket, seatpost and freeride pack options to make your bike unique and to fit your budget.

Optional Cane Creek Double Barrel shocks are available...

Whether you’re looking to build a UK downhill rig, a lightweight freeride machine or need an all-mountain bike that can take bigger hits, then the Patriot frame must be the weapon of choice. The only thing that will hold it back is your willingness to leave the brakes alone.

True to it’s bloodline, the Patriot has taken the thoroughbred pedigree of the original design, made famous by the Animal/Orange team of the early 2000s. The updated geometry and revised suspension makes the Patriot even more capable when the terrain gets fierce. The Patriot will challenge you to find a line it can’t handle.

Complete Patriot bikes start at £3,399.99, frames start at £1,749.99.

Highlight features at a glance:

Reynolds 6061-T6 custom butted monocoque aluminium frame

ISCG (Old) chain guide tabs

Maxle 135 x 12mm swingarm

Fox Vanilla 36 180mm Factory RC2 20QR TS Kashima fork

Fox Vanilla RC shock

Shimano SLX/Zee 10sp

Avid Elixir 5 brakes

Hope Pro2 EVO/Mavic EN321 wheelset

Truvativ Husselfelt finishing kit

Standard Colour(s): Jet Black, Passion Red, Cloud White.

Availability July 2012

The Orange Patriot will be available as follows:

S, M and L sizes are available.

Frame only at £1,749.99 RRP with immediate availability

Complete bike in full 2013 spec at £3,399.99 RRP with immediate availability

Full details are on the dealer section of our website. Patriot Dealer page (requires your login).